Sparks Guitar Chords and Strumming Pattern | Coldplay
Learn how to play Sparks by Coldplay on guitar with easy chord shapes and a gentle strumming pattern. This song is known for its soft, atmospheric sound and emotional acoustic guitar style, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate guitar players.
In this guide, you’ll find song information, guitar chords, chord progressions, the strumming pattern, and practice tips to help you learn the song.
Sparks Song Information
- Song Title: Sparks
- Artist: Coldplay
- Album: Parachutes
- Release Year: 2000
- Songwriters: Coldplay members
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
- Guitar Tuning: Standard Tuning (E A D G B E)
- Capo: 1st fret for the chord arrangement below
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Strumming Pattern: D D UD U
Sparks Guitar Chords
The following chord shapes are commonly used in an accessible version of “Sparks”:
- C
- Am7
- Fadd9/A
Place the capo on the 1st fret and treat these as chord shapes relative to the capo. Different tutorials and arrangements may use slightly different chord voicings.
Sparks Strumming Pattern
Strumming Pattern: D D UD U
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
Start slowly and use a light touch. Keep your wrist relaxed, and avoid strumming too loudly because the song sounds best with a soft, flowing guitar tone.
Sparks – Coldplay
Key: C major | Tuning: Standard
[Verse 1]
[C]Did I [Am7]drive you away
[C]I know [Am7]what you'll say
You [Fadd9/A]say, "Oh sing one you [C]know"
[C]But I [Am7]promise you this
[C]I'll always [Am7]look out for [Fadd9/A]you
Yeah, [C]that's what I'll do
[Chorus]
[Am]I say, [Ammaj7]"Oh" [Am] [C7] [Am6] [Fmaj7/A]
[Am]I say, [Ammaj7]"Oh" [Am] [C7] [Am6] [Fmaj7/A]
[Instrumental]
[C] [Am7] x4
[Verse 2]
[C]My heart is [Am7]yours
[C]It's you that I [Am7]hold on [Fadd9/A]to
Yeah, [C]that's what I do
[C]And I know I was [Am7]wrong
[Ammaj7]But I won't let you [Am7]down
[Fadd9/A]Oh yeah I will yeah I will
[C]Yes I will
[Chorus]
[Am]I said, [Ammaj7]"Oh" [Am] [C7] [Am6] [Fmaj7/A]
[Am]I cry, [Ammaj7]"Oh" [Am] [C7] [Am6] [Fmaj7/A]
[C]Yeah, I saw [Am7]sparks
[C]Yeah, I saw [Am7]sparks
[C]Yeah, I saw [Am7]sparks
[C]Yeah, I saw [Am7]sparks
[Outro]
Sing it out
[C]Ahaah [Am7]ah ah [C]ah... x4
How to Play Sparks on Guitar
- Tune your guitar to standard tuning.
- Place a capo on the first fret if using this arrangement.
- Learn the C, Am7, and Fadd9/A chord shapes.
- Practice changing between C and Am7 until the transition feels smooth.
- Add the D D UD U strumming pattern slowly.
- Play softly and focus on timing, clean notes, and smooth chord changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who sings Sparks?
“Sparks” is performed by Coldplay and appears on their 2000 album Parachutes.
What guitar chords are used in Sparks?
A common beginner-friendly arrangement uses C, Am7, and Fadd9/A chord shapes.
What is the strumming pattern for Sparks?
The pattern used in this guide is D D UD U. Keep the strumming gentle to suit the song’s mellow sound.
Do I need a capo to play Sparks?
For the arrangement described here, use a capo on the first fret. Other arrangements may use different capo positions or chord shapes.
Is Sparks easy for beginners?
Yes, it can be a good learning song. Beginners should practice the chord transitions and strumming pattern separately before playing them together.
